Multivariable Calculus · free preview

Curvature and the Osculating Circle

The unit tangent vector, curvature as the turning rate per unit distance, formulas for computing it, and the principal normal with the osculating circle it defines.

1. The unit tangent and the turning it does

The unit tangent and the turning it does

2. Formulas that avoid the arclength parameter

Formulas that avoid the arclength parameter

3. The principal normal points to the center of the bend

The principal normal points to the center of the bend

4. Acceleration splits into steering and pedaling

Acceleration splits into steering and pedaling

5. Curvature of a circle

A circle of radius 55 is traversed counterclockwise. What is its curvature?

6. Computing helix curvature

For the helix r(t)=(cos⁡t,sin⁡t,t)\mathbf{r}(t) = (\cos t, \sin t, t), what is κ\kappa?

7. Curvature of a graph

For the parabola y=x2y = x^2, where is the curvature largest?

8. Radius of curvature on the parabola

For the parabola y=x2y = x^2 at the point (1,1)(1, 1), the curvature is κ=2(1+4)3/2=255\kappa = \dfrac{2}{(1+4)^{3/2}} = \dfrac{2}{5\sqrt{5}}. Give the radius of curvature, the reciprocal, in the form a*sqrt(b)/c with integers.

9. Steering acceleration on a bend

A car maintains a constant speed of 2020 on a circular track of radius 5050. Give the magnitude of its acceleration, as a plain number or fraction.

Practice this interactively

Free account · instant grading · spaced review that schedules itself.

Start this course for free